Advice needed: CCW @ Seattle Center

[Nivek]

Tomorrow night I will be going to a concert in Key Arena at the seattle center in washington. I called their service desk to ask about having my CCW, and was very quickly (and nervously) told that all weapons are banned on campus grounds.
I just got on the Center's website, and here's what I found:
http://www.seattlecenter.com/information/sc_campus_rules.asp

the applicable portion:

3. Weapons
It is prohibited to:
a. Sell, manufacture, purchase, possess or carry any blackjack, sand-club, metal knuckles, switchblade knife, chako sticks, or throwing stars; or
b. Carry concealed or unconcealed on his or her person any dangerous knife unless used as a tool for work by Seattle Center employees or their authorized agents, or carry concealed on his or her person any weapon. Seattle Center employees are subject to the Seattle Center Employees Firearm Policy.
c. Possess a firearm on the campus, except that such restriction shall not apply to any pistol in the possession of a person licensed under RCW 9.41.070 or exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060.

4. Contraband in Seattle Center facilities
The following items are prohibited on the Seattle Center campus: illegal drugs, weapons, explosive devices, spray paint, lasers.

The Director may, by posting notice, prohibit the following items from being brought into a Seattle Center building or to a particular event: alcoholic beverages, cameras, recording devices, bundles, packages, coats, blankets, shawls not being worn, umbrellas, mace, pepper spray, and containers or cases (as defined as, but not limited to, pocketbooks, purses, bags, ice chests, backpacks, cans, bottles, or binocular cases).

Here's my question: Section 3 clearly states that the prohibition of firearms is not applicable to those licensed under RCW 9.41.070 (WA's CCW law), but Section 4 seems to contradict the previous statement by addressing a blanket ban on "weapons".

So is it legal for me to carry concealed, with my CCW permit? Any of you legal geniuses, help please!

 

[Nivek]

Sent a letter to the Customer Service Desk...

To Whom it may concern,
Since I will be attending a concert at Key Arena in the near future, I took the liberty of reviewing your campus policies to ensure that I do not unintentionally violate any written protocols that may exist. In my interpretation, however, I cannot decide the proper meaning of two specific paragraphs regarding contraband items on the Seattle Center Campus.

Section I.3.c of the Seattle Center Vision Statement reads "[It is prohibited to] possess a firearm on the campus, except that such restriction shall not apply to any pistol in the possession of a person licensed under RCW 9.41.070 or exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060."

RCW 9.41.070 is the Washington statute regarding licensing for concealed firearms. Your vision statement provides the ability for a licensed person to lawfully carry a firearm on campus grounds. I am licensed under this law, and carry the permit stating that fact, to carry a concealed weapon, and I do so regularly for personal defense.

However, Section I.4 of the Seattle Center Vision Statement lists items that are considered contraband on Campus grounds: "The following items are prohibited on the Seattle Center campus: illegal drugs, weapons, explosive devices, spray paint, lasers."

This paragraph seems to contradict the previous paragraph by banning the firearms that are previously stated to be authorized and legal with proper licensing.

I would like to get clarification on this matter, so that I may know whether I may exercise my right to defend myself while attending a function at your facility.

Respectfully,
X. XXXXX

what do you guys think?

 

[Mark K. C.]

I think you can draw a clear distinction between them. 1.3c says it's ok with a permit ect... while 1.4 is saying ( IMHO) " if you are not licensed to ccw or LEO - keep anything that might hurt or kill someone at home. Remember- we jumped through the hoops to prove that we are law abiding citizens.

 

[Bobarino]

this one is a little tricky. it depends on who is "operating" Key Arena at the time. if its the city, you're ok. if the arena is leased or rented to the promoter/singer/private company, they can make whatever rules they want which will likely include no weapons period. now, you can't be arrested for having a weapon on the grounds even if its against the rules. you can be asked to leave and if you comply, you're fine. if you refuse, you can be cited or arrested for criminal trespass, but no weapon's charges.

i'm not sure what kind of crowd to expect at a Foo Fighter's concert (that is who is playing right?) so i don't know about the wisdom of carrying there. you'll have to decide that one for yourself.

bottom line is; yes its legal but may be against policy. if asked to leave, do so. be safe and have fun. i know, i know. hard to do both at the same time

Bobby